JAMES ROBERTS IS “CROWNED” LABOUR MEMBERS MADE HIM “KING” OF ALL N.Z.

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 May 1948, Page 6

JAMES ROBERTS IS “CROWNED” LABOUR MEMBERS MADE HIM “KING” OF ALL N.Z.

(P.A.) Dunedin, May 7. Mr. James Roberts, national president of the Labour Party, is no longer the "uncrowned King of New Zealand.” In an "Abbey” of the Dunedin Town Hall concert chamber today, he was crowned King of all New Zealand by "Bishop” Nordmeyer, before a vast congregation of party conference delegates and representatives of his "subjects” throughout the Dominion.

The ceremony marked the close of the 32nd annual conference of the Labour Party. Remaining remits had been dealt with early in the morning and the closing hours were devoted to valedictory speeches. When the time came to pay tribute •to the president and vice-president of the party, Mr. Nordmeyer, took the chair and Mr. Roberts took a back seat, but not for long.

Explaining that it was fitting that Mr Roberts should be crowned, "but not in the manner that some people might like,” Mr. Nordmeyer withdrew from its covering a gleaming gold crown of some light material, complete with glittering "diamonds” and decorated with a ribbon bow of truest emerald green. Mr. Roberts came forward with some hesitation at first, then removed his spectacles and bowed. Mr. Nordmeyer placed the “crown” on his head and a large gathering applauded. “Rise, King James,” said Mr. Nordmeyer and invested the "king" with his “insignia of office” for the next 12 months—a chairman’s mallet.

Mr. Roberts said he appreciated the tributes paid him. The resolution of appreciation had been proposed by an Irishman and seconded by a Scotsman.

Referring tho the need for an Irish king, Mr. Roberts added that he was "king” of New Zealand by the will of the pakeha as well as the Maori. Mr. Roberts paid tribute to t Maoris and then addressed to the delegates a few words in Maori, conveying greetings and wishing all delegates good luck and a safe journey home. This was the conclusion of the conference. The delegates did not sing the “Rea Flag.” Instead, at the call of Mr. Roberts, they sand: "God Defend New Zealand.” Then Mr. Roberts reminded them that they could not leave Dunedin without singing “Auld Lang Syne.” All joined hands and sang the traditional number. i